Are Truck Drivers Liable for DC Trucking Accidents?

When a large commercial truck is involved in an accident, the truck driver is the first party to be held responsible. However, they are not the only ones who can be held responsible. At Regan Zambri Long Personal Injury Lawyers, PLLC, our truck accident lawyers in Washington, DC, carefully examine each case to determine who is at fault for the accident and hold them accountable.

With over a century of combined legal experience, our truck accident attorneys are dedicated to pursuing justice for victims of truck accidents. If you were involved in a truck accident case, time is of the essence. Our truck accident lawyers have the credentials and the experience necessary to handle these complicated matters. Contact Regan Zambri Long today to speak with an experienced injury lawyer.

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How Truck Drivers Are Held Responsible

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has established a set of regulations that truck drivers must adhere to. These regulations are designed to protect not only truck drivers but also the other vehicles on the road. If a truck driver fails to observe these regulations, they can be held liable for an accident.

Examples of truck driver liability include:

  • Breaking Hours-of-Service Rules: A truck driver can only legally drive for so long without taking a break. This is to keep a driver from getting too fatigued. If the driver is too tired, the risk of a fatigue-related crash can dramatically rise. Truck drivers are required to maintain a record of their driving and rest periods. Discrepancies in these logbooks often point to liability.

  • Driving Under the Influence: Reaction time and coordination are negatively impacted by substance use. This can be in the form of alcohol and illegal drugs or even prescription medication. There are zero-tolerance policies for driving under the influence. Drivers who do so face direct liability.

  • Distracted Driving: Texting, using a GPS, eating, or just adjusting a control can take a driver’s eyes off the road. This is dangerous, regardless of the type of vehicle you are driving. We will review phone records, electronic logs, and witness accounts to determine if distracted driving was a contributing factor to your accident.

  • Neglecting Vehicle Inspection: Regular truck inspections ensure commercial vehicles are safe for the road. Before each trip, drivers need to check their brakes, tires, lights, and cargo ties. Failure to do so can lead to tire blowouts, brake failures, or lost loads.

  • Breaking Traffic Laws: Reckless conduct, such as speeding, unsafe lane changes, failure to yield, or running red lights, is a leading cause of truck collisions in Washington, DC. Evidence from traffic cameras or eyewitnesses can help confirm these deeds.

Washington, DC Rideshare Accident Lawyer

When the Trucking Company is Liabile

Even when the truck driver is clearly at fault, the trucking company may share liability. Injured parties can hold multiple parties responsible.

Circumstances where trucking companies may be liable include:

Negligent Hiring Practices

If the company hires a driver with a bad safety record, they could be held responsible. This includes drivers with a history of drug or alcohol problems. It also applies to drivers who lack proper training. When you hire our DC truck accident lawyers, one of the first things we will do is delve into the hiring files, background checks, and training histories to identify potential issues.

Failing to Supervise or Monitor Drivers

Trucking companies are required to oversee their drivers’ performance, hours, and compliance with safety regulations. If they ignore dangerous habits or fail to intervene, they share liability for the consequences.

Poor Maintenance and Inspection

When company-owned trucks haven’t been properly inspected or repaired, a defective part can cause a crash. We review maintenance schedules, repair logs, and invoices to find patterns of truck driver negligence.

Incentivizing Unsafe Practices

Pay structures that reward drivers for mileage, tight schedules, or unrealistic deadlines can pressure truck drivers to behave recklessly. This pressure may lead drivers to falsify logs or skip rest breaks. We examine company policies, incentive programs, and internal communications to uncover pressure tactics.

Why Choose Our Washington, DC Truck Accident Lawyers

At Regan Zambri Long Personal Injury Lawyers, PLLC, we treat every truck accident seriously. We build each case with discipline and determination. What sets us apart:

Proven Litigation Record

We’ve secured life-changing outcomes for our clients. Some of our notable results include:

  • $15.2 million for a family seriously injured by a truck running a red light
  • $6.5 million for a pedestrian struck by a commercial vehicle
  • $5.2 million for victims of a distracted truck driver
  • $4.8 million for a driver crushed between two trucks
  • $3.7 million after a rear-end collision caused by a large truck

Strong Credentials

Our lawyers are recognized by Best Lawyers, Super Lawyers, and the National Board of Trial Advocacy. We also receive high peer ratings and client reviews. These accolades show our unwavering dedication.

Client-Centered Approach

We start each truck accident case with a zero-cost consultation. We guide you through every phase—investigation, medical care, communication, filings, and courtroom representation—letting you focus on healing.

Local Roots, Regional Scope

Based in Washington, DC, we serve clients throughout the DC metro region. We remain deeply connected to DC’s courts, traffic safety officials, and prosecutors.

Contact Our DC Truck Accident Attorneys Today

This image shows the aftermath of a serious drowsy driving accident involving a passenger car crashing into the rear of a commercial truck. Drowsy driving is a leading cause of fatal collisions, and this impact scene represents the danger of fatigued drivers on the road. Regan Zambri Long PLLC, located in Washington, DC, offers legal services to victims injured in truck and auto collisions. If you’ve been hurt due to a fatigued or negligent driver, call (202) 937-3310 to speak with a drowsy driving accident lawyer for a free consultation.

How We Distinguish Truck Driver Fault From Trucking Company Fault

Assigning fault can be complex. A reckless truck driver is clearly at fault. But when a trucking company is negligent, liability can expand to other parties. Determining liability requires considering the following:

Scene Investigation

We collect photos and videos. We measure skid marks and document debris patterns. We act fast before evidence changes during cleanup.

All drivers are expected to exercise diligence and reasonable care on the road. Whether an accident occurred while you were driving a truck or a passenger vehicle, if you were driving safely,y you should be protected from liability. Regan Zambri Long’s experienced attorneys will defend you against unjust accusations and help you claim any compensation you are entitled to.

Evidence Collection

Our team collects evidence to support your truck accident claim. This includes:

  • Electronic logs and hours-of-service data

  • Truck’s black box (electronic control module) data

  • Maintenance and inspection records

  • Tickets, inspection reports, and prior violations

  • Phone records, GPS data, and onboard video

  • Expert Engagement

We work with accident reconstruction experts and medical professionals. We consult with vocational specialists and pharmacologists. We speak to trucking company safety experts.

Witness and Official Statements

We obtain statements from police and EMS personnel. We interview eyewitnesses and company employees. We build strong evidence of truck driver negligence and/or trucking company negligence.

Consult a DC Truck Accident Attorney

Don’t speak to the trucking company’s insurance provider without legal guidance. Insurance adjusters often push for quick, low settlements. We negotiate for more while safeguarding your case.

What We Do After You Hire Us

Once engaged, we act swiftly to preserve your rights and build your case. Our team immediately steps in to protect key evidence and investigate the crash. Early action can make a major difference in the strength and outcome of your truck accident claim.

  • We send quick notices to the trucking company, truck driver, and insurance company—making sure they don’t destroy ELDs, logs, or black box records.

  • We hire experts: accident reconstructionists, medical specialists, and safety analysts.

  • We gather all relevant evidence, including company safety files, maintenance history, drug testing records, and payroll records.

  • We review your medical care and analyze the costs, needs, and long-term impact.

  • We present your claim clearly and forcefully—either in settlement talks or at trial—backed by thorough documentation and compelling narratives.

How We Distinguish Truck Driver Fault From Trucking Company Fault

Assigning fault can be complex. A reckless truck driver is clearly at fault. But when a trucking company is negligent, liability can expand to other parties. Determining liability requires considering the following:

  • A fatigued driver may be unfit. But did the trucking company pressure drivers for unrealistic hours?

  • A driver with a poor safety record still got the job. What did the trucking company know or ignore?

  • A truck broke down due to poor upkeep. Is the truck driver responsible, or did the trucking company fail to handle truck maintenance?

Why Our Approach Matters

Insurance companies know our track record. They understand we’re fully prepared to take a case to trial if needed. This leads to stronger settlement offers for our clients.

We level the playing field. Trucking companies and their insurers come equipped with legal teams focused on protecting their bottom line. We match them with our own experience, resources, and expert support.

Our lawyers leave nothing to chance. We examine every detail, from driver logs and black box data to maintenance records and company safety policies. We build a strong, evidence-based case that supports your claim.

We’re Ready to Help You

If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, don’t wait. Contact Regan Zambri Long Personal Injury Lawyers, PLLC in Washington, DC today. Our team offers a complimentary, no-obligation consultation and case review. There are no fees unless we win your truck accident case.

 

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